National Nurses Day

Every year, the month of May is set aside as National Nurses Month. With National Nurses Day being May 6th, this kicks off National Nurses Week. Additionally, all of our dedicated nurses are celebrated around the globe on May 12th (Florence Nightingale’s birthday) with International Nurses Day.

Nurses make up the highest percentage of healthcare workers and there’s a good reason for that—they care! When we hear the words health care, nurses should come to mind as those who provide that one-on-one personal care and concern when we are in need.

Nurses are on the front lines, often working very long hours without much of a thank you. There is no better time than during a pandemic to recognize those that are putting their duties above their own needs. This pandemic has shown everyone the need for medical care and the importance of being prepared for the unknown.

Nurses take gentle care of our babies when they are born, they love our parents and grandparents in their last days, and care for our wounds after surgeries and ER visits. They are who we spill all of the details to, and they take the time to listen and document our concerns. They accomplish a lot in one shift and work quickly. They spend most of their shifts on their feet and then head home to continue to take care of the people that depend on them most—their families. 

Nurses have the same concerns for their families and the same responsibility, yet they have to dedicate most of their time to their patients. Nurses sacrifice for our care daily. They deserve to be noticed and thanked.

So how can you say 'thank you' to nurses?

• Write out a thank you card and take it with you to your next doctor’s visit. Handwritten notes go a long way.

• The next time you see a nurse tell them how much they are valued. Everyone loves an encouraging word and it might change their whole day! 

• Nurses are known to rely on coffee to get through those long shifts, so why not give them a gift card from a local coffee shop?

• Buy them a gift card to a spa, nail salon, or a barber shop (don't forget the male nurses) so that they can take a turn at being cared for.

• Take the time to ask them their name and how they are, then listen and smile.

• Give them a healthy snack, or put together a gift basket with snacks.

Now more than ever, nurses are being exposed to illness and putting themselves at risk. Take the time to recognize the hard work they do and tell them you are grateful for it every day. As you know, positive feedback and gratitude can make a bad day good!

"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away."

- William Shakespeare

Are you a nurse? We want to hear from you, celebrate you, and personally thank you for your hard work and personal sacrifices.

You are valued—you matter and we thank you!